#WORLDAIDSDAY

HIV is a condition which targets the immune system and weakens people’s defence systems against infections and some types of cancer.

The virus destroys and impairs the function of immune cells, thus gradually making infected individuals become immunodeficient.

The first World AIDS Day was launched in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, the disease had been identified only four years prior.

About 65,780 cases of AIDS infections we’re reported in the U.S. since June 1981, more than 37,000 of those patients had passed away.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt was shown for the first time on the Mall in Washington DC, in October 1987.

At the time, it was difficult to deal with having the virus, and tremendous number of people got infected due to the silence and stigmatization associated with it.

#WorldAidsDay helped make the epidemic hit home, and everyone was aware that everyone was at risk.

A vaccine to control it has been developed, one to totally eliminate it is in the works.

Today, on #WorldAidsDay , according to UNAIDS, There were approximately 36.7 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2016. Of these, 2.1 million were children (<15 years old). An estimated 1.8 million individuals worldwide became newly infected with HIV in 2016 – about 5,000 new infections per day.

Please get tested, it’s safer to know your status.

Be kind to those who are infected, spread the message for safe and protected sex, safe blood transfusion, and a safer way to handle personal effects that can endanger individuals. Be an #Ambassador .

Donate your time and resources to educating everyone around you. Donate a #RedRibbon